We extend our prayers and condolences to the Brown Family. Bruce's Dad and Doug's Grandfather, Vern, died on Christmas Eve at the age of 87. His funeral was held on December 28^th at Central Free Church. Pray especially for Vern's wife, Gladys, that God's comfort will uphold her.

Pray also for Janice Nielsen and Marie Kingstrom. Their remaining brother-in-law passed away on December 22^nd. May God give them special grace and comfort at this time.

Interested in knowing more about First Free? On Sunday, January 12, a 4-week class, Exploring Church Membership, will begin at 11:00 AM. Call (612) 827-4705 in you are interested.

A Youth Group New Year's Eve Bash will begin at 9:00 PM at First Free Church on December 31^st. We will go sledding or have an activity in the gym. Then it's off to the Juarez home for food, a devotional, and a movie. If you would like to come or have any questions, please call Eric at (612) 910-1763.

On January 1^st the Chapmans will begin a one year Read Through the Bible small group. This involves readings for each day, with a once-a-week, 1 ½ hours, small group meeting in a home to share and discuss what we have been reading and to pray for each other. If you are interested in joining this activity, please meet in the Agape class room immediately after the service this morning.

Women's Neighborhood Bible Study will begin Wednesday, January 8^th. They will be studying 1 John and James and will be focusing on Faith that Knows and Shows. If you have any questions contact Lois Chapman at (612) 827-6513.

The All-Church Christmas Card is in the foyer. Instead of buying Christmas cards for friends in our church, we ask you to sign the card and donate the money to St. Joseph's Home for Children. Just drop your designated gift marked "Christmas Card Fund" in the offering plate.

The First Free Church 2002 Advent Drama Series is being featured on the church website. Each week the script for the drama and dramatic photos will be added to the website at http://www.firstfreechurch.org/ministries/drama/index.html.

The Office will close at 1:00 PM on New Year's Eve and will be closed on New Year's Day.

Special thanks to Barb Olson and Holly Powers for all the work they have done with the children in preparation for the Children's Christmas Program this morning!

There will be Children's Church for K-3 today following the Children's Christmas Program. The 4-6 graders will be going to Redeemer Residence after the program and during the donut time. If you have questions, see Ross Olson.

Many thanks to all who participated in the wonderful Choir & Orchestra Concert last week! We are especially thankful for our directors (Krista Luedtke, Jerry McDonald & Eric Twietmeyer) and accompanists (Debbie Smith & Barb Olson).

A Youth Group New Year's Eve Bash will begin at 9:00 PM at First Free Church on December 31^st. We will go sledding or have an activity in the gym. Then it's off to the Juarez home for food, a devotional, and a movie. If you would like to come or have any questions, please call Eric at (612) 910-1763.

On January 1^st the Chapmans will begin a one year Read Through the Bible small group. If you are interested in this, just write Bible Reading on your Welcome Card.

Women's Neighborhood Bible Study will begin Wednesday, January 8^th. They will be studying 1 John and James and will be focusing on Faith that Knows and Shows. If you have any questions contact Patty Mellema at (612) 822-7875.

The All-Church Christmas Card is in the foyer. Instead of buying Christmas cards for friends in our church, we ask you to sign the card and donate the money to St. Joseph's Home for Children. Just drop your designated gift marked "Christmas Card Fund" in the offering plate.

The First Free Church 2002 Advent Drama Series is being featured on the church website. Each week the script for the drama and dramatic photos will be added to the website at http://www.firstfreechurch.org/ministries/drama/index.html.

Interested in knowing more about First Free? On Sunday, January 12, a 4-week class, Exploring Church Membership, will begin at 11:00 AM. Call (612) 827-4705 in you are interested.

Just Do It - (Accept the Challenge) - coming in January! See the Caring Commission for complete details.

Missionary Prayer Focus

Manna Lifeline, Burnsville, Minnesota

• Pray that each of the families that come to Manna Lifeline for food assistance will see Christ through the gift they receive.
• Pray that those who serve at Manna Lifeline will be a witness to each of the families who are in need this Christmas season.

We warmly welcome our guest musicians who will be participating in the "Christmas Tapestry" Choir Concert this morning. The insert in your bulletin lists their names and instruments or vocal parts. Be sure to greet our special guests during the fellowship time.

Invite your family and friends for Dinner & a Movie on December 16 at 5:45 PM. If you can help with set up or clean up, please contact Rose Hecker at (612) 729-9053.

MUSICIANS bring your instruments on December 22^nd to play Christmas carols in the foyer before the morning service. Be ready to practice at 8:30 AM. Questions, call Steve Mondy.

There will be Children's Church for K-3 on the day of the Children's Christmas Program, December 22^nd. The 4-6 graders will be going to Redeemer Residence after the program and during the donut time.

Could you help make simple props for the Children's Christmas Program, Journey to Bethlehem, on December 22? If you can help, call Holly Powers at (612) 824-2972.

On January 1^st the Chapmans will begin a one year Read Through the Bible small group. This involves readings for each day, with a once-a-week, 1 ½ hour, small group meeting in a home to share and discuss what we have been reading and to pray for each other. If you are interested in this, just write Bible Reading on your Welcome Card. See the 40 Days of Purpose in its total Biblical context.

Women's Neighborhood Bible Study will begin Wednesday, January 8^th. They will be studying 1 John and James and will be focusing on Faith that Knows and Shows. If you have any questions contact Patty Mellema at (612) 822-7875.

The All-Church Christmas Card is in the foyer. Instead of buying Christmas cards for friends in our church, we ask you to sign the card and donate the money to St. Joseph's Home for Children. Just drop your designated gift marked "Christmas Card Fund" in the offering plate.

The First Free Church 2002 Advent Drama Series is being featured on the church website. Each week the script for the drama and dramatic photos will be added to the website at http://www.firstfreechurch.org/ministries/drama/index.html.

You are invited to the ANGEL TREE GIFT WRAPING PARTY immediately following the Adult Bible Fellowship hour. Lunch will be provided.

Joy - A Christmas Tapestry - Choir Concert will be held next Sunday morning during worship. Mark your calendars for this special holiday event that focuses on "a perspective of Christ's birth told by Mary and Joseph."

The All-Church Christmas Card is in the foyer. Instead of buying Christmas cards for friends in our church, we ask you to sign the card and donate the money to St. Joseph's Home for Children. Just drop your designated gift marked "Christmas Card Fund" in the offering plate.

Would you be willing to donate a dozen Christmas cookies for the Dinner & Movie Outreach on December 16 at 5:45 PM? If you can help, please contact Rose Hecker by December 14^th. This would be a wonderful time to invite family and friends!

Could you help make props for the Children's Christmas Program, Journey to Bethlehem, on December 22? The props are quite simple (stars, moon, and camels). Call Holly Powers at (612) 824-2972.

We invite you to join us for our worship service on Christmas Eve at 4:30 PM. It will be a family-oriented service with music, a brief message, and a candle lighting ceremony.

Adult Bible Fellowship will NOT meet on Sunday, December 29^th. We will have an extended fellowship time that Sunday instead.

On January 1^st the Chapmans will begin a one year Read Through the Bible small group. This involves readings for each day, with a once-a-week, 1 ½ hour, small group meeting in a home to share and discuss what we have been reading and to pray for each other. If you are interested in this, just write Bible Reading on your Welcome Card. See the 40 Days of Purpose in its total Biblical context.

Women's Neighborhood Bible Study will begin Wednesday, January 8^th. They will be studying James and will be focusing on Faith that Knows and Shows. If you have any questions contact Patty Mellema at (612) 822-7875.

A New Years Eve Celebration Service featuring Heart of the City worship band will be held at Church of the Open Door. See the downstairs bulletin board for more information.

Geoff & Mary Beth Wehrman will be dedicating their son, Preston, this morning. Let's dedicate ourselves as a congregation to help, love, and support this family.

Women's Christmas Luncheon, Tuesday, December 3, 12:30 PM, at Point of France (6566 France Ave. So). Make your reservation with Gen Erickson or Marilyn Vatsaas ($3). Marilyn Healy, our guest, will present her heart-warming ministry on Children's Shelter of Cebu. You won't want to miss this! Also, bring your shoebox gifts for Marie Sandvik Mission.

Jim Forstrom, EFCA Archivist, will be at our church today. He will have a new book available for sale during our fellowship time called A Living Legacy - A Pictorial History of the EFCA. The cost is $20 (including tax).

Chaim Class Social, Let the Joy Begin, Saturday, December 7, 5:00 PM, at Jon & Carrie Boyum's house (7432 Chicago Avenue South). It's a potluck so bring a dish to share. Also, please bring a white elephant gift per person attending the party. RSVP to Vanessa Beckett at (612) 721-6885.

Sojourner's Class Christmas Social will be held on Saturday, December 7^th. Meet at church at 10:00 AM. We will take the van to Goldenman's Christmas Tree Farm in Zimmerman. More information will be available in class this morning. If you have questions, call Lori Peterson at (612) 722-9793.

The Agape Christmas Banquet will be held at the Timber Lodge Steakhouse (see Agape Loveletter for map), Sunday, December 8 at 6:00 PM. Greg Anderson, a blind singer and keyboard artist, will perform many Christmas selections.

Would you be willing to donate a dozen Christmas cookies for the Dinner & Movie Outreach on December 16 at 5:45 PM? If you can help, please contact Rose Hecker by December 14^th.

Could you help make props for the Children's Christmas Program on December 22? The props are quite simple (stars, moon, and camels). Call Holly Powers at (612) 824-2972.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the Manna Lifeline food drive. We received over 100 bags of groceries. The food has been delivered to Salem House food shelf. Thank you to all who organized this, as well!